John Raffael, Jr. Fund

John Raffael was a former Wakefield businessman and humanitarian. His friends, many of whom were active in town government, set up a memorial fund following his death in 1977. The committee distributed many awards from this fund. However, a portion of this fund was turned over to TSF in April 1984 to establish a permanent fund in Mr. Raffael’s memory. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Wakefield Housing Authority and President of the Middlesex Rattan Furniture Corporation. As a twelve-year member of the Crystal Community Club, and former President, the social room at the Three C’s was named in his honor. Also remembered in this fund is John’s son, John III, who passed away at age 60 in March 2011. John III was raised in Wakefield, and was a graduate of WHS’ Class of 1968. John III graduated from the University of New Hampshire and received his master’s degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University. He had worked as a consultant in the field of Human Resources. John III was devoted to his family, proud of his Italian heritage, and well known for his involvement in many charitable endeavors.